Big Ben Cousins clocks on
Cheryl Critchley | February 23, 2009
BEN Cousins met the Tiger faithful yesterday and was feted like a rock star.
And more of the same is expected when the superstar recruit lines up for his first Richmond game in Thursday night's NAB Cup blockbuster against Collingwood.
About 9000 Tiger fans crammed into Jells Park in Wheelers Hill for yesterday's preseason Family Day - easily double the size of last year's crowd.
Most were keen to catch a glimpse of "Cuz", who diligently signed autographs and tried unsuccessfully to keep a low profile.
He had no hope, with hundreds lining up for two hours to secure his signature.
Dozens more crowded the autograph tent to photograph the comeback kid.
Excited children even chased a golf buggy taking Cousins and Matthew Richardson out of the park after they were presented with their 2009 guernseys.
Only club favourite Richo drew a bigger cheer during the jumper presentation.
Coach Terry Wallace, who was stunned by the huge crowd, confirmed Cousins would line up in Thursday night's big clash.
It will be his first real game since the Tigers gave the former West Coast captain and recovering drug addict a second chance.
"No. 32 this year is certainly a player I know that we're all keen to see play, obviously a champion of the game," Wallace said.
"And I can confirm to you that he will be playing on Thursday night, No. 32, Ben Cousins."
Wallace said there would be no excuses if Richmond didn't do well this year.
"In the last couple of years we've been standing up here hoping to take the next step and now we demand that we take the next step, and there's a massive difference between the two."
President Gary March said it had been a very exciting pre-season, and he couldn't wait for the real stuff to start.
He was excited about a number of recruits, including Tyrone Vickery and Cousins.
"We're all looking forward to Ben joining us. There's just a really exciting buzz," he said.
"I've never seen a turnout like this. This is just absolutely fantastic."
Amanda Bugelli, husband Charlie and their children, Hayley and Chloe, 5, and Hayden, 11, were first in line for Cousins' autograph, arriving at 9am for the 10.30am start.
They don't even all barrack for the Tigers - only Chloe and Hayden do.
Natalie Baker, 20, of Ringwood and sister Tracey, 23, of Bayswater, waited two hours with Tracey's children Bradley, 6, Jayden, 4, and Mitchell, 2, to see Cousins.
Natalie said Richo had been her favourite but she was there for Cousins yesterday, as he was good-looking and a bad boy.
Both sisters said they would attend more games this year if the star recruit played. "Definitely," Tracey said.
With a smattering of others Joshua Grasso, 9, of Wantirna, already had Cousins' name and number on his back, replacing Brett Deledio.
Joshua's dad, Lou, 43, said the crowd was huge.
"I reckon it's the Ben Cousins factor," he said.
Essendon and Hawthorn also held their family days yesterday as AFL fans geared up for 2009.
It is now less than a month until Richmond takes on Carlton in the much-anticipated season opener, with its big showdown between Cousins and former teammate and now Carlton captain Chris Judd.
Essendon drew about 5000 fans to Windy Hill yesterday and reigning premier Hawthorn about 6000 to Glenferrie Oval.
Hawthorn fans were able to have their photo taken with the 2008 Premiership Cup, and buy a Grand Final DVD the club is selling to raise money for bushfire victims.
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